Erik ten Hag is often spoilt for choice on match day given that Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have both eclipsed expectations on occasion. A sentence I would have dreamed to say in years gone by.

Dalot’s position was untouchable in the opening three months of this campaign, as of which he has started in 20 games. In the process, he etched himself into being one of Manchester United’s key men in Erik ten Hag’s rejuvenated team.

While Dalot was lapping up the praise, Wan-Bissaka contributed just four minutes prior to the World Cup.

At times, former Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia – a left-back by trade – was being utilised on the right of the back four. But that was about to change.

A major issue, it seemed, arose for ten Hag as his starting right-back had picked up a hamstring strain in Qatar, which paved the way for the Englishman to step up to the plate.

Wan-Bisakka’s improvement typifies Erik ten Hag and the impact his arrival has had on these players. His superiority in one-on-one defending had always been his forte, but it’s Wan-Bissaka’s attacking output that has gone levels above.

Now that Dalot is back to full fitness, the two are sharing the load more often than not.

The Portuguese international seems to have remained ten Hag’s operator at the back but has been replaced (by Wan-Bissaka) at the interval in two out of the four last matches in all competitions.

Dutchman Erik ten Hag has often placed stress on the competition for places as being a positive way of maintaining the standards that he and his team set week in week out.

The beauty of having two solid choices for the remainder of the season means that right back falls down the pecking order in terms of what is a priority come the summer transfer window.

Perhaps a ‘good headache’ for the Manchester United camp to have, but it will be interesting to see how this contest to become ten Hag’s chief first-choice right-back unfolds.